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(as of Feb 03, 2025 03:31:09 UTC – Details)
New York Post Best Book of 2016
We often think of our capacity to experience the suffering of others as the ultimate source of goodness. Many of our wisest policy-makers, activists, scientists, and philosophers agree that the only problem with empathy is that we don’t have enough of it.
Nothing could be farther from the truth, argues Yale researcher Paul Bloom. In AGAINST EMPATHY, Bloom reveals empathy to be one of the leading motivators of inequality and immorality in society. Far from helping us to improve the lives of others, empathy is a capricious and irrational emotion that appeals to our narrow prejudices. It muddles our judgment and, ironically, often leads to cruelty. We are at our best when we are smart enough not to rely on it, but to draw instead upon a more distanced compassion.
Basing his argument on groundbreaking scientific findings, Bloom makes the case that some of the worst decisions made by individuals and nations—who to give money to, when to go to war, how to respond to climate change, and who to imprison—are too often motivated by honest, yet misplaced, emotions. With precision and wit, he demonstrates how empathy distorts our judgment in every aspect of our lives, from philanthropy and charity to the justice system; from medical care and education to parenting and marriage. Without empathy, Bloom insists, our decisions would be clearer, fairer, and—yes—ultimately more moral.
Brilliantly argued, urgent and humane, AGAINST EMPATHY shows us that, when it comes to both major policy decisions and the choices we make in our everyday lives, limiting our impulse toward empathy is often the most compassionate choice we can make.
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ASIN : 0062339346
Publisher : Ecco; Reprint edition (January 9, 2018)
Language : English
Paperback : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 9780062339348
ISBN-13 : 978-0062339348
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 0.9 x 5.2 x 7.9 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book insightful and enjoyable to read. They appreciate the humor and clever writing style. However, some readers feel the moral content is flawed and irrefutable. Opinions differ on empathy as a guideline, with some finding it beneficial and distinguishing between rational and emotional thinking, while others consider it overused and exhausting. There are mixed views on the writing style, with some finding it engaging and easy to read, while others criticize rambling and weak arguments.
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